Taye Amssalu

Why do you like working for UNDP?

I am personally inspired by UNDP’s vision in the sense that it is about bringing change for human beings, focusing on their development, reducing their poverty and ensuring that they live in an inclusive growth society.

What’s the most memorable occasion when you saw the positive impact your work had on the people in the country where you’re based?

When I visited the small town of Nekemte, in the west of the country, I had the chance to see on the ground the changes that the UNDP supported Local Economic Development (LED) programme had made to the local youth. I saw first-hand young college graduates who had previously been jobless and fast losing hope and now they had come together to establish their own multimillion business after receiving training and access to finance through the LED programme.

What are some of the challenges of working in a large international civil service organization like UNDP and how do you manage them?

Work-life balance is a challenge for me given the overwhelming workload, which involves dealing with deadlines. Another challenge meeting corporate requirements and translating this on the ground when we have limited capacity. I try to manage these challenges through prioritization, better team work, delegation and exploring best practices to improve process.

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

When I am not at work I love spending time with my three children and lovely wife. I also participate in community works with the surrounding neighbors.